AK Notary AK Notary Liability and Errors

Question 1

What is the purpose of the surety bond required of Alaska notaries?

Accepted Answer

To compensate parties harmed by the notary's errors or misconduct

Answer

To pay the notary's salary

Answer

To cover the cost of the notary's seal

Answer

To pay court filing fees

Question 2

Can an Alaska notary be held personally liable for damages caused by their negligent notarization?

Accepted Answer

Yes, personal liability can exceed the bond amount

Answer

No, the bond covers all liability

Answer

No, the state indemnifies all notaries

Answer

Only if a court order is obtained

Question 3

What is a common error Alaska notaries make that can invalidate a notarization?

Accepted Answer

Failing to require the signer to appear in person

Answer

Using blue ink on the certificate

Answer

Charging too little for the act

Answer

Signing before the signer signs

Question 4

What should an Alaska notary do if they discover they made an error in a completed notarization?

Accepted Answer

Seek legal advice and, if possible, correct it through proper procedures

Answer

Alter the document without noting the correction

Answer

Ignore it if no one complains

Answer

Destroy the journal entry related to the act

Question 5

An Alaska notary failed to administer an oath during a jurat. This error makes the notarization:

Accepted Answer

Defective and potentially invalid

Answer

Slightly irregular but still valid

Answer

Valid if the signer's signature is genuine

Answer

Valid if the seal is properly affixed

Question 6

In Alaska, can a notary be criminally charged for willfully notarizing a document with a forged signature?

Accepted Answer

Yes, willful participation in fraud can result in criminal charges

Answer

No, criminal charges only apply to attorneys

Answer

Only if the notary forged the signature themselves

Answer

Only if the document involved real estate